Aminolevulinic Acid

AMINOLEVULINIC ACID

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA HCl, Levulan Kerastick) is indicated for the treatment of nonhyperkeratotic actinic keratosis of the face and scalp. It has two components, an alcohol solution vehicle and ALA HCl as a dry solid. The two are mixed prior to application to the skin. When applied to human skin, ALA is metabolized to protoporphyrin, which accumulates and on exposure to visible light produces a photodynamic reaction that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS pro-duce cytotoxic effects that may explain therapeutic effi-cacy. Local burning and stinging of treated areas of skin due to photosensitization can occur.